Start planning your trip

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's best places to enjoy cherry blossoms. This article introduces the best time to see the cherry blossoms, recommended viewing spots, and related event information. The cherry blossom light-ups are also a must-see!
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's leading sightseeing spots and is home to several famous cherry blossom viewing spots.
The rows of cherry trees (sakura) in Ueno Park are especially famous throughout Japan, and many people visit annually to see the elegantly blooming Somei Yoshino blossoms. Also, the beautiful cherry blossoms illuminated at night is a must-see event.
This article introduces the best times to see Ueno Park's cherry blossoms, viewing spots, and spring event information.
1. Ueno Park: A Famous Blossom Spot Since the Edo Period
2. The Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Ueno Park
3. Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Ueno Park
4. Cherry Blossom Light-ups
5. Event Information
Photo by Pixta
Ueno Park is a historic sightseeing spot that became Japan's first designated park during the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
It's surrounded by lush greenery and nature, and is home to many cultural facilities including museums, art galleries and a zoo.
Ueno Park is also famous for being one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Since the early part of the Edo Period (1603-1868), many people have been coming here to see the cherry blossoms. The large weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura) at the park's entrance are particularly famous.
There are 800 cherry trees inside Ueno Park. Visitors can enjoy looking at various cherry blossom varieties including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, Kanzan, and Kanhizakura.
Photo by Pixta
The best time to see the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park is typically from late March until early April. However, these dates can change depending on the weather conditions.
Admission to the park is free of charge. So everyone can easily stop in anytime.
We'll explain later in more detail, but if you visit in the evening you can see blossoms that are illuminated. Please note that entry is prohibited from 23:00 until 5:00 the next morning. So if you want to see the blossoms lit up you'll need to visit before 11:00.
Also, during the peak viewing season, it's usually extremely crowded. It's even crowded on weekdays, so you can expect even more visitors on Saturdays and Sundays.
Those coming by car can use the second parking lot, but it will be very crowded because people will be visiting from all parts of Japan. If you come by train, it's just two minutes on foot from JR Ueno Station. So if possible we recommend using public transit.
Inside Ueno Park, a place famous for cherry blossom viewing, there are many recommended spots for enjoying the scenery.
Next, we introduce three great spots for cherry blossom viewing: Sakura-dori Avenue, Shinobazu Pond, and Ueno Park Entrance. For those not sure where to best enjoy the blossoms, please use this information as a reference.
Photo by Pixta
Sakura-dori Avenue is located in the center of Ueno Park. Every year many people converge on this popular spot in order to see the blossoms in full bloom.
There are 800 cherry trees of various varieties in full bloom including Somei Yoshino. Yamazakura, Kanzan, and Kanhizakura.
Small lamps with paper shades (bonbori) line Sakura-dori Avenue and visitors are greeted by an atmosphere that evokes the essence of Japan. In the evening these lamps are lit up, and you can enjoy the sight of beautifully illuminated cherry blossoms.
Surrounded by sakura in full bloom, you'll surely feel the gorgeous spring season.
Photo by Pixta
Shinobazu Pond, located at the south end of Ueno Park, is also a recommended spot for enjoying the blossoms.
Shinobazu Pond is divided into three separate areas. First there's the lotus pond which is covered with lotus flowers, then the boat pond allows you to hop on a boat, and finally there's the duck pond which sits inside Ueno Zoo.
Many cherry trees are concentrated near the lotus pond. This is a popular spot where you can see the blossoms as you leisurely stroll along the banks of the pond.
This might be difficult when it gets crowded, so you can also enjoy the view as you relax on a bench near the pond.
Photo by Pixta
Ueno Park Entrance is the final spot that we'll introduce.
When the peak viewing season comes around, visitors are greeted by the impressive shidarezakura cherry trees in full bloom at Ueno Park Entrance. It's only possible to see these particular cherry blossoms for a few days every year, so if you manage to see them consider yourself blessed with good luck.
The exquisitely beautiful pink blossoms which have a subtle hint of white, almost look like they're falling from the sky. They continue to be loved by many people today.
You can take some attractive photos―from up close or even from far away―that look great on social media.
Photo by Pixta
The cherry blossoms in Ueno Park offer many highlights but we especially recommend the evening illumination.
About 1,000 bonbori lamps are lit up and they cast a mystical illumination over the blossoms. The slight orange color of the lamps blend together with the pink color of the blossoms, and this stunning gradation creates a breathtaking scene.
Visitors can enter the park up until 23:00, so it's nice to know that you can take your time and enjoy the sights until fairly late at night.
Photo by Pixta
The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is an event where you can take in the beautiful sight of blossoms inside Ueno Park.
In 2024 it was held from late March until early April for a total of ten days. The schedule for the 2025 event has not yet been announced, but it will probably be held around the same time as most years.
During the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival the cherry trees along Shinobazu Pond are lit up. Visitors can enjoy the sight of illuminated blossoms up until the late hour of 22:00.
This is an enjoyable event that combines cherry blossoms with cuisine. So there are more than 50 food stalls offering food and drink, stage events featuring famous celebrities, and of course beautiful cherry blossoms.
But even though it might be spring, the mornings and evenings can get chilly so we recommend taking proper measures against the cold weather.
The best time is usually from late March until early April. But please keep in mind that this can change depending on the weather conditions.
The right-hand side of Sakura-dor Avenue is one-way. The avenue has a median so please proceed accordingly.
Food and drink is allowed in Ueno Park during cherry blossom viewing parties (o-hanami), but it's important to maintain good manners including taking your garbage home with you.
Yes, pets can be brought to these events but a leash is required.
If you visit early in the morning or on a rainy day, chances are good that it'll be less crowded. If you absolutely want to avoid the crowds, then one way is by avoiding the peak viewing period.
During the blooming period, Ueno Park is visited by many people. So we recommend securing your spot as soon as the park opens at 5:00. But please note that unattended seat holding is not permitted in Ueno Park.
Admission to Ueno Park is free. But admission to the zoo or art museum requires a separate fee.
Food and drink is allowed in Ueno Park during cherry blossom viewing parties (o-hanami), but it's important to maintain good manners including taking your garbage home with you.
Yes, pets can be brought to these events but a leash is required.
If you visit early in the morning or on a rainy day, chances are good that it'll be less crowded. If you absolutely want to avoid the crowds, then one way is by avoiding the peak viewing period.
During the blooming period, Ueno Park is visited by many people. So we recommend securing your spot as soon as the park opens at 5:00. But please note that unattended seat holding is not permitted in Ueno Park.
This article introduced the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, the peak viewing period, as well as our recommended spots.
The best time to see the blossoms in all their splendor is from late March. This is a famous blossom viewing spot so crowded conditions will be unavoidable. Please allow yourself as much time as possible, and plan your visit ahead of time.
So for those reading this article, why not stop in at Ueno Park and enjoy the spring season in full bloom!